As part of efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment, a daily environmental sanitation monitoring and enforcement system has been introduced by the Oyo State government.
At a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, explained that the government has shifted from the traditional monthly environmental sanitation exercise to a more proactive system that encourages residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness on a daily basis.
He noted that this approach is being reinforced by continuous monitoring and enforcement by environmental health officers
“We are now enforcing daily environmental sanitation. Our officers are on the field every day to ensure compliance, and cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he stated.
According to him, to strengthen operations, the government has re-engaged 930 Environmental Vanguards, sweepers, and waste packers, while also procuring two brand new compactor trucks with the support of Governor Seyi Makinde to enhance waste evacuation.
Highlighting the ministry’s achievements, the Commissioner said the ministry has expanded its impact through strategic workforce deployment and innovation, adding that the 930 Environmental Personnel has been structured to improve enforcement and sanitation coverage.
Mr Aderinto hinted that with sweepers now operating twice daily to ensure cleaner roads across the state, while also benefiting from enrolment in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme.
The ministry also launched the Oyo Soro Soke (Oyo SSS) Environmental Whistleblower platform accessible via mobile applications and WhatsApp, empowering residents to report environmental violations and promote community participation in environmental governance.
In addition, the ministry strengthened operational capacity by introducing a first-of-its-kind waste segregation system across government offices, and initiated Public-Private Partnerships for the construction of modern public toilets.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve, assuring that the confidence reposed in him will not be misplaced, also appreciating members of the Executive Council for their strong inter-ministerial collaboration, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Dr Sunday Ojelabi, for his support.
Highlighting other achievements, he noted improved media engagement by the Ministry, with regular press briefings and public advisories on issues such as flooding, heat waves, cholera, and Lassa fever.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry has regulated charcoal production through a structured framework, commemorated World Earth Day with tree planting, intensified efforts to end open defecation, and strengthened interventions against diseases through inspections and environmental monitoring.
Reaffirming his commitment, Mr Aderinto assured residents that the Ministry will sustain and build on these gains, saying, “The future of our environment in Oyo State is bright. What we have achieved in 100 days is only the beginning.”